How do you lubricate a flute?

Question:I have a flute that I want to learn to play. I cannot put it together. The end part won't fit and I don't want to force it in. I don't believe I should use WD40 on it. What would any instrument player recommend?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have a flute that I want to learn to play. I cannot put it together. The end part won't fit and I don't want to force it in. I don't believe I should use WD40 on it. What would any instrument player recommend?

I am a flute teacher, and professional flutist. As long as the joint are still not dented - not "out of round", as they say - you should be able to assemble them. They must be CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN - really rub them as clean as you can, with a clean cloth - inside and out. NO lube of any kind! Some people have given their joints a swipe with wax paper, or paraffin - you CANNOT use candle wax - but lubricants on opne joints just attract dust and dirt - and next thing you know, they have acted as an abrasive, and your joint are *falling off* loose! Have an experienced flutist look at your flute - you might not have to take it to the repair shop after all.

Well, under normal conditions, the only lubrication you should use is a drop of key oil at each post point maybe every couple of years.

The head joint tenon is supposed to fit without lube. Hold the flute firmly with your right hand (don't squeeze it too tight, you can bend the key-rods) and the mouthpiece in your left, and rotate the mouthpiece as you insert it.

But if the head joint just won't fit, you first should check carefully to see if either part of the fitting been bent out of round, if you have the wrong head joint for the instrument, or if there's corrosion on the surface of the head joint or inside surface of the place where it slides in. In any of these conditions, you'll need an instrument repair shop.

If you're sure that none of those things is wrong, then put the LEAST amount of petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline) on your fingertip and apply thinly to the head joint. Do not do this often because the petroleum jelly will tend to pick up dust particles which can act like sandpaper and wear on the insides of that tenon joint. Sometimes, one or two applications like this will remediate a sticky tenon and you'll be able to assemble with no more lubrication for the rest of the flute's life.

Go to your local music store; they'll have the best advice. It may be that you need a complete overhaul on your flute, or purchase a better one if you ordered it from an unreliable website.

You are correct--don't use WD40! Or vaseline, or cork grease, or valve oil...those will have adverse effects on your flute in the long wrong, it could possibly strip the lacquer. Not only that, those things could travel all over your flute since you'll be playing it after you lubricate it, and your air will cause the oil to spread on the inside. Not a good idea.

The first answer has a good point--it's supposed to fit with no lubrication.

From my knowledge, while I am not a flute player, there is a specific flute oil just for the problem you describe. You might want to visit your local music shop to see if they carry it.
Also keep in mind that flutes are metal--they expand and contract with weather. Make sure you're putting it together in a temperature that is comfortable (room temperature).

You could try this trick, but do it at your own risk. With the body, you could keep it in a fairly warm room--NOT hot--and let it expand naturally with the heat. You could keep the footjoint in a room temperature location that is only a few degrees cooler than the other room. That might make it easier to put together without having to use lubrication.

Take it to band camp!

Actually, a really good way to get the pieces to fit together is this: rub your finger in the crease of your nose, and use the oil from your skin. Rub it onto both parts of the flute that go together. It doesn't cost anything. However, you usually end up having to do it fairly frequently, but it does work.

This one time...at band camp... LOL SOrry I couldnt resist

Usually just apply a bit of soft cork grease (i use yamaha) on it works for me. Although I am not sure whether that is a good idea, but at least something for the instrument on an instrument is better than smearing petroleum jelly all over your foot joint :)

put grease in it